Throughout the novel, we see the
recurring image of the inviting sea that speaks to Edna’s soul. When she first
goes to the sea in Chapter 6, the sea is described as a seductive and powerful
force that allows Edna to think about her place in the world. In this
environment, Edna is able to delve deep into her soul and contemplate on the desires
of her heart without letting the image of the “mother-woman” define her
character. The decision to go out into the sea at the end was made as a result
of Robert leaving her. In their last scene together, Edna’s remark of “giv[ing]
myself where I choose” made him turn white with incredulity at the brashness of
this statement. This shows that he is quite conventional with respect to societal
norms; he would rather marry her than become involved in a passionate, immoral
affair, although he is clearly tempted by this latter option. When Edna finds
his note, she stretches on the couch and falls into a sleepless daze, which
represents an awakening to the truth: though Robert loves her, he will never
fully understand the inner longings of her soul. By leaving her husband and
marrying Robert, she realizes that she will enter into the same cycle of being
a subordinate wife with no agency of her own. Rather than returning to her
normal life with Mr. Pontellier and her children, she goes into the sea because
for her this is the only place where she can truly be free with herself.
Although this suicidal act could represent a weakness in her character, it may
also symbolize one last act of asserting her free will.
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